Vehicle steering head

ABSTRACT

A vehicle steering head for a tricycle having a frame, the vehicle steering head including a support tube fixed to the frame of the tricycle. An upper bearing support mounted to the support tube. A lower bearing support is non-rotatably mounted to the support tube. A connecting element is mounted to the support tube via the upper and lower bearing supports. A wheel fork is arranged at a lower end of the connecting element. A mudguard is arranged between the wheel fork and the lower bearing support. The steering also includes non-axially movable angularly spaced stop surfaces and movable stop surfaces that can rotate with the connecting element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/471,006 filed on May 14, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/349,009 which was filed on Jan. 6, 2009 andwhich issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,201,840, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 11/562,694 which was filed Nov. 22, 2006 and whichissued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,487,988 on Feb. 10, 2009, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/671,668 which was filedSep. 29, 2003 and which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,156,408, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/298,002, which was filedNov. 18, 2002, now patent number U.S. Pat. No. 6,799,772, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/092,516 filed Mar. 8, 2002,now abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.09/584,497 filed Jun. 1, 2000, now patent number U.S. Pat. No.6,378,884, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated byreference herein in their entireties. Further, the present applicationclaims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of German Patent Application No.299 11 652.2, filed on Jul. 5, 1999, the disclosure of which isexpressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a vehicle steering head and inparticular, to a steering head for a vehicle comprising a support tubewhich has rotatably supported therein a fork member to which a wheelcover and a handlebar can be secured.

2. Discussion of Background Information

Vehicle steering heads of the above-described type are in particularused in bicycles or tricycles, and in particular in tricycles orbicycles for children.

In devices of the above-described type it is desirable for safetyreasons that accidents be avoided which may be caused by an excessivelylarge handlebar deflection. It has been found that when there is anexcessively large handlebar deflection (e.g., the handle bar rotatesbeyond a point where effective steering occurs), the vehicle may tilt tothe side. Moreover, such deflections or excessive rotation may run therisk that a user impacts his body against the handlebar. Additionally,the user may get caught with his/her feet in the front wheel and may beeven be injured by the pedals.

A further drawback or disadvantage of prior-art devices occurs when theyare pushed with a push rod type device. In such cases, these deviceshave a tendency towards uncontrolled steering movements of the frontwheel which cannot be mastered or effectively controlled by smallchildren, in particular.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention therefore provides a vehicle steering head of theabove-mentioned type which is of a simple construction and which canoperate in an easy and reliable manner. Moreover, this design avoids thedrawbacks of the prior art and can in particular limit a handlebardeflection to a desired degree. The invention also has provision forlocking the handlebar.

According to one aspect of the invention a latch element is secured to afork member on a portion provided inside the support tube. A linkageelement is supported in the support tube for rotation therewith. Thelinkage element is displaceable or moveable in a longitudinal directionof the support tube. The linkage element comprises at least one stopsurface which limits a rotation of the fork member and can be broughtinto contact with the latch element. Moreover, the linkage elementcomprises at least one locking element which is releasably connectableto the latch element.

According to another aspect of the invention a latch element issupported on the support tube. A linkage element is arranged on the forkmember and connected to the tube for rotation therewith. The latchelement is freely displaceable or moveable along the support tube. Thelinkage element comprises at least one stop surface which limits arotation of the fork member and can be brought into contact with thesupport tube. Moreover, at least one latch element is provided that isreleasably connectable to the support tube.

The vehicle steering head according to the invention is characterized bya number of considerable advantages.

First of all, it is possible to install or utilize the steering head ina frame of any desired design, e.g. children's bicycles or tricycles.Ideally, the dimensions of the steering head are such that they do notinterfere with the remaining structure of the frame within which it isinstalled. Of course, the steering head may be combined with any and allcommon types of frames where ever its advantageous design is desired.Accordingly, the steering head may be utilized in a variety of deviceswhere limited deflection or rotation and/or locking are desired.

Because the invention utilizes a latch element which is arranged in thesupport tube, no functional parts of the steering head need be outwardlyvisible or accessible. Accordingly, the internal parts are lesssusceptible to damage. Additionally, this design is less likely to causeinjury when used by children or infants.

As a result of utilizing a linkage element according to the invention,it is possible to reliably lock the fork member and thus the wheel forkand the front wheel. Such a locking provision is easily be accomplishedby displacing or moving the linkage element. This design ensures a highdegree of operational safety and operational reliability.

The linkage element preferably utilizes stop surfaces which cooperatewith the latch element in a manner where they are brought into contactwith one another. In this way, the steering angle can be limited to aparticularly or desired range. This limited range of motion of thesteering angle can be realized according to the invention in differentways. The invention contemplates that the available steering angle isfreely selectable within a wide desired range. This is of particularadvantage to vehicles for children such as tricycles, which may requirea steering angle of approximately 45° to each side. Of course, otherdesirable steering angles can be utilized. However, by designing in thedesired limited steering angle, lateral tilting of the tricycle orsimilar devices can be prevented or their risk significantly reduced.Additionally, the risk of injuries which may be caused by the pedals,e.g., devices which utilize pedals on the front wheel can be reduced.Finally, the risk of injury which can occur when the handlebar exceeds acontrolled steering angle can be ruled out to a considerable extent.

The invention also provides for a linkage element having a lockingelement which is releasably connectable to the latch element. Thisdesign ensures that when a push rod is used for pushing the device,i.e., a tricycle, the front wheel thereof may be reliably locked inplace during straight travel.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the latch element isdesigned in the form of a pin which extends in a direction transverse tothe fork member. The pin may extend through the fork member such that itprojects at both sides of the fork member. Alternatively, the pin canproject from the fork member on only one side. Moreover, the pin can befirmly connected to the fork member, e.g. by welding or otherconventional attachment techniques. Additionally, it may be secured bypress fitting with or without utilizing a knurled portion. Of course,the dimensions of the pin can easily be adapted to the respectiveconditions of use.

It should be noted that the manufacturing costs of the steering head arereduced by the above-described construction to quite a considerabledegree.

In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the linkage elementis substantially designed in the form of a hollow cylinder. Thus, thelinkage element can be reliably guided in the support tube and surroundthe fork member. Additionally, the linkage element can be designed as asingle integral part or several parts which are either joined togetheror which cooperate together.

It is advantageous for the longitudinal displacement or movement of thelinkage element to be along an axis of the support tube and the forkmember. Accordingly, the support tube may comprise at least onelongitudinal slot or a similar recess through which a connection elementextends which is connected to the linkage element. This design alsoutilizes a slide which is arranged outside the support tube.

The slide facilitates the ease of handling or movement of the linkageelement. In such a design, a displacement of the slide, which mayadditionally be provided with locking mechanism or fixing safetymechanism, effects a corresponding displacement or movement of thelinkage element. The locking mechanism or fixing mechanism allows forfixing the front wheel in a single or set travel position which ispreferably straight. Moreover, the invention also contemplates that thelinkage element may be provided with inclined inlet surfaces orintercepting mechanisms which engage the latch element so as to initiatea locking action when the front wheel is slightly deflected angularly.

Stop surfaces on the latch element are preferably formed on at least onefront attachment of the linkage element. Additionally, it isparticularly advantageous when two opposite attachments or stops are insymmetry with each other and are each provided with at least one stopsurface located on the linkage element. Thus, by utilizing twoattachments or stops which are in symmetry with each other, this designcan limit the steering angle in a symmetrical fashion to both the leftand the right side.

In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the associated stopsurfaces of the attachments or stops act to limit the rotation of thefork member to a predetermined angular range at both sides. This angularrange may e.g. be approximately 45° to both sides, for a total range ofmotion of approximately 90°.

The locking element is preferably designed in the form of at least onefront recess which receives the latch element. Such an advantageousdesign makes it possible to grip and fix the latch element upondisplacement or movement of the linkage element. Additionally, it isadvantageous that the recess be retracted or set back relative to thefront attachment, so that the attachments or stops can always remain inthe plane of the latch element, while upon a displacement of the latchelement, it is only the recess which can additionally be brought intoengagement.

To implement a simple and operationally reliable structure of thesteering head, it may be advantageous for the recess to be centrallyarranged between the two attachments or stops.

The invention also contemplates that the fork member itself has not beenchanged constructionally. In other words, the invention can be adaptedto work with a conventional fork member. Also, the invention makes itpossible to manufacture all functional parts separately in a very simplemanner. As a result, advantageous production costs can be achieved.

In a preferred design of a previously described embodiment, the linkageelement is designed as part of a mudguard which extends from below intothe support tube. This design allows for significant cost savings sincethe mudguard is normally made from plastics and is typically alreadyincluded in most vehicles of the above-described type. The linkageelement can thus be mounted on the mudguard or made integrallytherewith, in a particularly easy way and at low costs.

A further advantage of the this embodiment is that the latch element canbe designed in the form of a bolt which arranged to be parallel with thefork member. The latch element of this design can thus be givenrelatively large dimensions so that the diameter of the support tubeitself need not be chosen with such a large size.

It may be of particular advantage when the latch element is connected toa slide which extends into the support tube so as to be able to designthe lock of the front wheel in a particularly simple manner.Furthermore, the locking element may preferably be connected to theslide. Moreover, the locking element serves to reliably maintain thelocked state and to prevent any unintended unlocking. The lockingelement also preferably engages into a recess of a bearing whichsupports the fork member in the support tube. As a result, it is notnecessary to mount additional parts or to take installation measures onthe support tube itself.

It may also be of particular advantage for the limitation of thesteering angle to be accomplished by a lower bearing which supports thefork member in the support tube. This lower bearing may have formedthereon an attachment which projects in the direction of the linkageelement and which can be brought into contact with the stop surfacesformed on the linkage element and thus on the mudguard. This design hasthe advantageous effect that the predetermined angular range can belimited at both sides as well, e.g. approximately 45° each side.

The invention provides a vehicle steering head including a support tubewhich rotatably supports therein a fork member to which a wheel fork anda handlebar can be secured, the steering head including a latch elementprojecting from the fork member and disposed within the support tube,and a linkage element disposed within the support tube, wherein thelinkage element is moveable in a direction which is substantiallyparallel to an axis of the fork member and comprises at least one stopsurface for limiting a rotation of the fork member when the latchelement contacts the at least one stop surface. The linkage element mayfurther comprise at least one locking element for locking the forkmember in a single position. The at least one locking element mayreleasably engage the latch element when the fork member is locked. Thelatch element may comprise a pin. The pin may project substantiallyperpendicular to the axis of the fork member. The linkage element maycomprise a substantially cylindrical shape. The linkage element maycomprise a plurality of hollow chambers separated by connecting walls.The support tube may comprise an opening which allows a connectingelement to pass therethrough. The opening may comprise a longitudinalslot. The connecting element may be secured to the linkage element. Themovement of the linkage element may be limited by the movement of theconnecting element within the longitudinal slot. The steering head mayfurther comprise a slide which is secured to the connecting element, theslide being disposed adjacent an outer surface of the support tube. Theat least one stop surface may be disposed on at least one stop.

The at least one stop may comprise a projection which extends from thelinkage element. The at least one stop may comprise a wedge-shapedhollow projection having two angled lateral stop surfaces. The at leastone stop may comprise two stops which are disposed opposite one another.Each stop may comprise a wedge-shaped hollow projection having twoangled lateral stop surfaces. The two stops may define a limited rangeof rotational motion of the fork member in each of a clockwise and acounter-clockwise direction. The limited range of motion in theclockwise direction may be substantially equal to the range of motion inthe counter-clockwise direction. The limited range of motion in one ofthe clockwise and counter-clockwise direction may be approximately 45degrees.

The linkage element may further comprise at least one locking element,the at least one locking element comprising at least one recess which isadapted to receive the latch element. The at least one recess is setback some distance from a surface of at least one stop. The at least onerecess is centrally disposed between at least two stops.

The steering head may further comprise an upper bearing disposed on oneend of the support tube and a lower bearing disposed on another end ofthe support tube, each of the upper and lower bearings having an openingwhich allows the fork member to pass therethrough.

The steering head may be disposed on a tricycle frame.

The invention also provides for a vehicle steering head including asupport tube which rotatably supports therein a fork member to which awheel fork and a handlebar can be secured, the steering head including alatch element disposed within the support tube, the latch element beingmoveable in a direction which is substantially parallel to an axis ofthe fork member, and a linkage element connected to the fork member soas to rotate therewith, the linkage element comprising at least one stopsurface, wherein the at least one stop surface limits the rotation ofthe fork member with respect to the support tube. The steering head mayfurther comprise a slide, wherein the slide is disposed within thesupport tube and retains the latch element. The slide may furthercomprise at least one locking element for releasably securing the slideto the support tube. The linkage element may comprise a mudguard. Themudguard may be disposed between one end of the support tube and a wheelfork. The latch element may comprise a rod like member which is arrangedsubstantially parallel to the axis of the fork member. The rod likemember may comprise one of a bolt and a pin. The latch element may beconnected to a slide, the slide being disposed within the support tube.The slide may be moveable substantially parallel to the axis of the forkmember. A locking element may be connected to the slide.

The steering head may further comprise a bearing support disposed on atleast one end of the support tube. The bearing support may be disposedon a lower end of the support tube. The steering head may furthercomprise a locking element disposed within the support tube, the lockingelement being insertable into a recess of the bearing support. Thebearing support may comprise at least one stop, the at least one stopcomprising at least one surface which engages the linkage element. Theat least one stop may comprise a projection which engages a recess inthe linkage element. The projection and the recess may cooperate tolimit the rotational movement of the fork member within a desired range.The range of the rotational movement may be limited by at least two stopsurfaces. The at least two stop surfaces may define a limited range ofrotation in one of a clockwise and a counter-clockwise direction. The atleast two stop surfaces may define a limited range of rotation in eachof a clockwise and a counter-clockwise direction. The limited range ofrotation between the at least two stops may be approximately 45 degrees.

The steering head may be disposed on a tricycle frame.

The invention further provides for a vehicle steering head including asupport tube and fork member which is rotatably mounted with respect tothe support tube, the steering head including an upper bearing supportdisposed at an upper end of the support tube and a lower bearing supportdisposed at a lower end of the support tube. The fork member comprises afork end, a handlebar, and a latch element projecting from the forkmember between the fork end and the handlebar end. The latch element isdisposed within the support tube and a linkage element is slidablydisposed within the support tube. The linkage element comprises at leastone stop surface for engaging the latch element, wherein the linkageelement is moveable in a direction which is substantially parallel to anaxis of the fork member from a first position where the latch elementand the at least one stop cooperate to limit the rotational movement ofthe fork member to a second position where the latch element releasablyengages a locking element disposed on the linkage element whereby thefork member is prevented from rotating in any direction. The linkageelement may be moveable from outside the support tube via a slide. Theslide may be connected to the linkage element via a connection element,the connection element passing through a longitudinal in the supporttube. The longitudinal slot may limit the movement of the linkageelement.

The invention also relates to a vehicle steering head including asupport tube and fork member which is rotatably mounted with respect tothe support tube, the steering head including an upper bearing supportdisposed at an upper end of the support tube and a lower bearing supportdisposed at a lower end of the support tube. The lower bearing supportcomprises at least one stop surface, the fork member comprising a forkend, a handlebar, and a latch element which is slidably disposedadjacent the fork member between the fork end and the handlebar end, thelatch element being disposed within the support tube and a linkageelement moveably disposed adjacent the lower support bearing. Thelinkage element comprises at least one stop surface for engaging the atleast one stop surface of the lower bearing support and comprising arecess for receiving the latch element, wherein the linkage element ismoveable in a direction which is substantially parallel to an axis ofthe fork member from a first position where the latch element engagesonly the lower bearing support and where the at least one stop of thelower bearing support cooperates with the at least one stop of thelinkage element to limit the rotational movement of the fork member to asecond position where the latch element releasably engages a recess inthe linkage element whereby the fork member is prevented from rotatingin any direction. The linkage element may be moveable from outside thesupport tube via a slide. The slide may be connected to the linkageelement via a connection element, the connection element passing througha longitudinal in the support tube. The longitudinal slot may limit themovement of the linkage element. The linkage element may furthercomprise at least one locking element for engaging a locking recess inthe lower bearing support. The at least one locking element engages thelocking recess of the lower bearing support when the latch elementengages the recess in the linkage element.

The invention provides for a vehicle steering head including a forkmember adapted to engage a handlebar, a support tube which rotatablysupports the fork member, a latch element disposed within the supporttube, and a slide which is moveable with respect to the support tube,wherein the slide is moveable from at least one position wherein linkageelement prevents the fork member from rotating with respect to thesupport tube to at least another position wherein the linkage elementallows the fork member to rotate with respect to the support tube in atleast two directions. The latch element may comprise a rod-like member.

The invention also provides for a vehicle steering head that includes asupport tube adapted to be coupled to a vehicle frame, an upper bearingsupport arranged at an upper end of the support tube, a lower bearingsupport arranged at a lower end of the support tube, the lower bearingsupport comprising at least one stop surface, a cylindrical elementrotatably mounted to the support tube via the upper and lower bearingsupports, the cylindrical element having one end that is adapted to beconnected to a wheel fork and another end that is adapted to beconnected to a handlebar, a latch element movably disposed within thesupport tube, a slide coupled to the latch element, the latch elementbeing movable from outside the support tube, a linkage element that isrotatable with respect to the support tube, and the linkage elementcooperating with the lower bearing support to limit a rotationalmovement of the linkage element with respect to the support tube,wherein the latch element and the linkage element are releasablyengagable with each other to prevent rotational movement of thecylindrical element.

The invention also provides for a vehicle steering head comprising asupport tube adapted to be fixed to a frame, a fork member adapted toconnect a wheel fork to a handlebar, the fork member being rotatablewith respect to the support tube, a mechanism which limits therotational movement of the fork member in each of two directions, and alower bearing support mounted to the support tube, wherein the mechanismand the lower bearing support cooperate to limit the rotational movementof the fork member.

The lower bearing support may be non-rotatably fixed to the supporttube. The lower bearing support may comprise at least one stop surface.The lower bearing support may comprise two stop surfaces. The mechanismmay comprise at least one stop surface. The mechanism may comprise twostop surfaces. The mechanism may comprise a linkage element having atleast one stop surface. The linkage element may rotate with the forkmember. The linkage element may be arranged on a mudguard. The forkmember may be cylindrically shaped. The steering head may furthercomprise a handlebar connected to one end of the fork member and a wheelfork connected to another end of the fork member.

The invention also provides a vehicle steering head comprising a supporttube adapted to be fixed to a frame, a cylindrical member adapted toconnect a wheel fork to a handlebar, the cylindrical member beingrotatable with respect to the support tube, a linkage element beingmovable and comprising at least two stop surfaces, wherein one of the atleast two stop surfaces limits the rotation of the cylindrical member inone direction, and wherein another of the at least two stop surfaceslimits the rotation of the cylindrical member in another direction.

The linkage element may rotate with the cylindrical member. The linkageelement may rotate with a mudguard.

The invention also provides for a vehicle steering head comprising asupport tube adapted to be fixed to a frame, a connecting elementadapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar, the connecting elementbeing rotatable with respect to the support tube, a linkage elementbeing rotatable and comprising at least two stop surfaces, a mudguardthat rotates with the linkage element, one of the at least two stopsurfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in onedirection, and another of the at least two stop surfaces limiting therotation of the connecting element in another direction.

The invention also provides for a vehicle steering head comprising asupport tube adapted to be fixed to a frame, a fork member adapted toconnect a wheel fork to a handlebar, the fork member being rotatablewith respect to the support tube, and a system which limits therotational movement of the fork member in each of two directions,wherein the system includes one part which is non-rotatably mounted tothe support tube and another part which rotates with the fork member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is further described in the detailed descriptionwhich follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way ofnon-limiting examples of embodiments of the present invention, in whichlike reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the severalviews of the drawings, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a children's tricycle with oneembodiment of the vehicle steering head according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a simplified sectional side view of the steering headaccording to the invention in an unlocked state;

FIG. 3 is a side view, turned or oriented by 90° (a right angle) of thearrangement shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional side view similar to FIG. 2, in the locked state;

FIG. 5 is a side view, similar to FIG. 3, of the view according to FIG.4;

FIG. 6 is a simplified perspective illustration of the linkage elementaccording to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of a children's tricycle with anotherembodiment of the vehicle steering head according to the invention;

FIG. 8 is a sectional side view of the vehicle steering head accordingto the invention, in the unlocked state;

FIG. 9 is a side view, turned or oriented by 90° of the arrangementshown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a sectional side view similar to FIG. 8, in the locked state;

FIG. 11 is a side view, turned or oriented by 90° which is similar toFIG. 9, in the locked state;

FIG. 12 is a top view on the linkage element according to the inventionand on the associated mudguard;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the arrangement according to FIG. 12along the sectional lines XIII-XIII of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged side view showing a portion of the slide and ofthe locking element in the locked state;

FIG. 15 is a view analogous to FIG. 14, in the unlocked state;

FIG. 16 is a top view on the slide; and

FIG. 17 is a top view on the lower bearing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes ofillustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention onlyand are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be themost useful and readily understood description of the principles andconceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attemptis made to show structural details of the present invention in moredetail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of thepresent invention, the description taken with the drawings makingapparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of thepresent invention may be embodied in practice.

A children's tricycle is shown in FIG. 1 and comprises a front wheel 14which is supported on a wheel fork 4. Wheel fork 4 is fixedly connectedto a fork member 3. A handlebar (not shown) can be secured to the upperend of fork member 3.

Fork member 3 is supported in a support tube 2. This support isaccomplished by utilizing slide bearings 15 and 15′ which are shown indetail in FIGS. 2 to 5. The slide bearings 15 and 15′ correspond tothose of the prior art in this embodiment so that a detailed descriptionis not needed.

Support tube 2 is firmly connected to a frame 16 which has mountedthereon a seat 17. The tricycle also has a rear axle 18 with rear wheels19. Accordingly, a support tube 2 and a fork member 3 form a steeringhead 1.

According to the invention, support tube 2 has arranged therein alinkage element 6 which has a substantially cylindrical configuration(see also FIG. 6) and which is received with a play or clearance (sothat it can slide) within support tube 2. Linkage element 6 is alsoprovided with a central recess through which fork member 3 extends orpasses.

Support tube 2 also has formed therein a longitudinal slot 9 throughwhich a connection element 10 extends or passes. This connection element10 is connected to a slide 11 and linkage element 6. The connection maybe via a screw 20 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) or other conventional connectingmechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, connection element 10 isintegrally connected to or formed with slide 11 and extends in a recess21 of linkage element 6. However, connection element 10 and slide 11 maybe made as separate components which are joined or secured together byany conventional attachment technique including a screw or threadedelement.

On its front upper portion, linkage element 6 comprises two symmetricalopposite attachments or stops 12. Each of these stops 12 may be providedwith lateral stop surfaces 7. When viewed from the top, theseattachments or stops 12 are designed in a manner of a segment of apartial circle (pie shaped or wedge shaped), so that four stop surfaces7 are formed, with each one being arranged in symmetry with one another.Of course, stops 12 may be separately formed and attached to linkageelement 6 instead of being integrally formed therewith, as is shown.

In the illustrated embodiment two locking elements 8 may be utilized inwhich each is formed by a recess 13. These locking elements 8 arepreferably provided on linkage element 6 in retracted or set back mannerwith respect to stops 12. As is apparent from FIG. 6, the walls of atleast one recess 13 may be made resilient to ensure a releasable lockingof a bolt-like latch element 5 when linkage element 6 is pushed upwardsor into engagement with bolt-like latch element 5.

As is apparent from FIGS. 2 to 5, fork member 3 is provided with abolt-like or pin-like latch element 5 which extends or projects from atleast one and preferably both sides of fork member 3. Of course, latchelement 5 may be integrally formed with fork member. Alternatively,latch element 5 may be a threaded or partially threaded member whichthreads into fork member 3. However, it is preferred that latch element5 be a pin having a centrally disposed exterior knurl which is press fitinto a fork member as is shown. In its working position, latch element 5rotates with fork member 3 when a deflection or rotation of thehandlebar takes place. The deflection of the handlebar is limited by wayof latch element 5 abutting on stop surfaces 7, these stop surfaces 7defining the limited range of motion of the handlebar.

When it is desired to lock the handlebar in a set position, latchelement 5 is pressed or forced into recesses 13. This engagement occurswhen locking element 8, which is disposed on linkage element 6, ispushed upwards by slide 11. Recesses 13 also utilize inclined inletsurfaces because they act as guiding lead-in surfaces which facilitateentry of pin 5 into recess 13. In the locked state, which is shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, a steering movement thus becomes impossible since thehandlebar or fork member 3 is locked in a single direction. FIGS. 2 and3 show a downwardly displaced condition of linkage element 6 in whichlatch element 5 is in a position which it does not cooperate with thelocking element 8. As a result, in this position fork member 3 andhandlebar are free to rotate until latch element 5 abuts on stopsurfaces 7, this range of movement or rotation corresponding to asteering angle range.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, linkage element 6 maybe made from a plastic material. Of course, other materials are alsocontemplated.

Another embodiment of the vehicle steering head according to theinvention is described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 16. In this regard,like parts are provided with like reference numerals.

As for the description of FIG. 7, reference can be made to thedescription of FIG. 1 to the extent that the same features are shown.The subsequent figures are illustrations elucidating the details whichhave been changed.

As in FIGS. 2 to 5, FIGS. 8 and 9 and 10 and 11, respectively, areillustrations showing the vehicle steering head on an enlarged scale.Again, like parts are here also provided with like reference numerals,so that reference can be made to the preceding explanations. Slide 11utilizes connection element 10 and screw 20. Connection element 10 alsoextends through a longitudinal slot 9. Moreover, slide 11 comprises anouter grip portion 11 and an interior portion 11′ which is screwed toouter grip portion 11 by a screw 20. A top view of slide 11 and 11′ isshown in FIG. 16. As can be seen in this figure, a central recess 24 isprovided through which fork member 3 extends or passes (with a clearancewhich allows slide 11′ to move up and down with respect to fork member3). Furthermore, slide 11′ also has a recess (see FIGS. 9, 11 and 16)which is formed so that it can accept a bolt-like latch element 5′. Ofcourse, this latch element 5′ may be pressed into this recess, threadedinto the recess, or otherwise secured to slide 11′ in a suitable manner.Alternatively, latch element 5′ may be integrally formed with slide 11′.

As already described in conjunction with a previous embodiment, abearing 15 which serves as a slide bearing is used on the upper portionof steering head 1.

Lower bearing 15′ in this embodiment is configured such that it has anupwardly projecting contour of a linkage element 6′ which can extendinto bearing 15′. Of course, the bearing and the upwardly projectingcontour may be made as separate components which are joined together byconventional techniques rather than integrally formed as is shown.Additionally, as becomes apparent in FIG. 12, linkage element 6′ mayhave a recess 25 into which latch element 5′ can be inserted (see alsoFIGS. 9 and 11).

As can further be seen from the top view of FIG. 12, linkage element 6′comprises two lateral stop surfaces 7 which are angularly spaced apartfrom each other. This design is such that a downwardly orientedattachment or stop 26 (see FIGS. 8 to 11) of the bearing 15′, which isconnected to support tube 2, forms a steering limitation of plus/minusapproximately 45°. Of course, as with the previous embodiment, the rangeof steering limitation can be designed to any desired range.

FIG. 13 shows a lateral sectional view of mudguard 22 and of linkageelement 6′. Note that these components are integrally formed as a singlemember which reduces manufacturing costs associated with joining twoseparate components.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are front views of slide 11′ wherein handpiece 11 hasbeen removed to illustrate the operation of locking element 8′. Lockingelement 8′ is U-shaped and includes two movable or flexible lateral legswhich can releasably be inserted into a recess 23 of bearing 15′. Uponinsertion and locking, locking element 8′ is pressed against an undercutand thereby held in position inside recess 23. Accordingly, when it isdesired to release the locked state of fork member 3, slide 11′ must bepushed upwards which removes the legs from recess 23. Of course, otherlocking mechanisms may be utilized and this embodiment is not limited tothe use of this particular locking mechanism. For example, a pin may beused which has a floating ring disposed around its circumference.Alternatively, other conventional releasable locking mechanisms may beutilized.

FIG. 17 is a top view on lower bearing 15′ on an enlarged scale. The(downwardly projecting) attachment or stop 26 can be seen here as canrecess 23 which receives locking element 8′. Moreover, recess 27 isadapted to receive and guide bolt-like latch element 5′ therein.Furthermore, a surrounding collar-like edge 28 can be seen in which 29designates two oppositely disposed attachments or projections whichserve as anti-rotation engagements. These engagements are designed toengage recesses (not shown) of support tube 2. Of course, lower bearingmay be secured to support tube 2 in any conventional manner such as bybonding, welding, or screws. Moreover, this attachment may be releasableor more permanent in nature.

It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely forthe purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limitingof the present invention. While the present invention has been describedwith reference to an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that thewords which have been used herein are words of description andillustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made,within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and asamended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the presentinvention in its aspects. Although the present invention has beendescribed herein with reference to particular means, materials andembodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to theparticulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends toall functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as arewithin the scope of the appended claims.

1-18. (canceled)
 19. A tricycle with limited steering and steering lock,comprising: a support tube fixed to a frame; a connecting memberrotatably mounted to the support tube via upper and lower bearingsupports; a mechanism that limits rotational movement of the connectingmember in each of two directions; the mechanism comprising at least twostop surfaces; one of the at least two stop surfaces limiting therotation of the connecting member in one of the two directions; anotherof the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of theconnecting member in another of the two directions; a mudguard havingportions that engage with a wheel fork so as to rotate with the with thewheel fork; a steering lock system; and a button of the steering locksystem being arranged on a front side of the support tube and beingmovable between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein, inthe unlocked position, the connecting member being rotatable in each ofthe two directions, and in the locked position, the connecting member isprevented from rotating in each of the two directions.
 20. The tricycleof claim 19, wherein the mudguard is a one-piece mudguard, the lowerbearing support is non-rotatably mounted to the support tube and aportion of the button extends into a slot arranged on the front side ofthe support tube.
 21. The tricycle of claim 19, wherein the buttoncomprises a portion arranged outside the support tube and a portion thatextends into an opening of the support tube.
 22. The tricycle of claim19, wherein the upper and lower bearing supports each comprise a portionextending outside the support tube and a portion extending inside thesupport tube.
 23. The tricycle of claim 19, wherein the mechanism moveswhen the connecting member moves.
 24. The tricycle of claim 19, whereinthe mechanism comprises a projection and extends into a recesscomprising two stop surfaces.
 25. The tricycle of claim 24, wherein abottom of the recess is arranged axially above a lower end of thesupport tube.
 26. A vehicle steering head for a tricycle having a frame,the vehicle steering head comprising: a support tube fixed to the frameof the tricycle; an upper bearing support mounted to the support tube; alower bearing support non-rotatably mounted to the support tube; aconnecting element mounted to the support tube via the upper and lowerbearing supports; a wheel fork arranged at a lower end of the connectingelement; a mudguard arranged between the wheel fork and the lowerbearing support; non-axially movable angularly spaced stop surfaces;movable stop surfaces that are rotatable with the connecting element;one movable stop surface contacting one of the non-movable stop surfaceswhen the wheel fork is rotated in one direction and another movable stopsurface contacting another of the non-movable stop surfaces when thewheel fork is rotated in another direction; and the upper and lowerbearing supports each comprising a portion extending outside the supporttube and a portion extending inside the support tube.
 27. The steeringhead of claim 26, wherein the non-movable stop surfaces are arranged:between the mudguard and an upper end of the support tube; and betweenan outer surface of the connecting element and an inner surface of thesupport tube.
 28. The steering head of claim 26, further comprising alocking system which, in a locked position, prevents rotational movementof the wheel fork and which, in an unlocked position, allows the wheelfork to rotate within an angular range.
 29. The steering head of claim26, wherein the mudguard is a one-piece mudguard arranged below thelower bearing support.
 30. The steering head of claim 26, furthercomprising a button arranged on a front side of the support tube foractivating a steering lock system, wherein the button comprises aportion arranged outside the support tube and a portion that extendsinto a slot of the support tube.
 31. The steering head of claim 26,wherein the lower bearing support comprises the non-movable stopsurfaces.
 32. The steering head of claim 26, wherein the movable stopsurfaces are arranged on a projection.
 33. The steering head of claim32, wherein the projection comprises an upper surface that is arrangedwithin the support tube.
 34. The steering head of claim 26, wherein thenon-movable stop surfaces are arranged on an arcuate recess.
 35. Thesteering head of claim 26, wherein the movable stop surfaces arearranged on a projection and further comprising a steering lock devicehaving a portion that engages with the projection in a steering lockposition and disengages from the projection in a steering unlockposition.
 36. The steering head of claim 35, wherein, in the steeringlock position, the portion of the steering lock device moves parallel toan axis of the connecting element and engages with an opening of theprojection.
 37. A vehicle steering head for a tricycle having a frame,the vehicle steering head comprising: a support tube fixed to the frameof the tricycle; an upper bearing support mounted to the support tube; alower bearing support mounted to the support tube; a connecting elementmounted to the support tube via the upper and lower bearing supports;angularly spaced non-movable stop surfaces; movable stop surfaces thatare rotatable with the connecting element; one movable stop surfacecontacting one of the non-movable stop surfaces when the connectingelement is rotated in one direction and another movable stop surfacecontacting another of the non-movable stop surfaces when the connectingelement is rotated in another direction, whereby steering is limitedwithin an angular range; the upper and lower bearing supports eachcomprising a portion extending outside the support tube and a portionextending inside the support tube; the lower bearing support comprisinga recess and a main central opening receiving therein a portion of theconnecting element; and a steering lock system comprising a movablemember disposed within the support tube and having a main opening thatallows another portion of the connecting element to pass therethrough.38. The steering head of claim 37, further comprising a mudguardarranged below the lower bearing support, wherein: the non-movable stopsurfaces are arranged between the mudguard and an upper end of thesupport tube and between an outer surface of the connecting element andan inner surface of the support tube, the movable stop surfaces compriselateral stop surfaces arranged on a projection; and the steering locksystem is placed in a locked position, preventing rotational movement ofthe connecting element, via movement of a button located on a front sideof the support tube.